Only a few days after Kepa Arrizabalaga had to rescue Chelsea’s bacon in their win over Aston Villa, the world’s most expensive goalkeeper came to the fore once more at the Gtech Community Stadium, as Chelsea’s five-game winning streak came to an end.
Kepa’s countrymen and opposite number David Raya was also in fine form as the West London derby concluded without a goal, although Potter’s team remains in the driving seat for Champions League football thanks to a particularly stubborn defensive streak.
While impending opponents Manchester United won all three points in their midweek game, Chelsea’s one point was enough to retain them in the fourth and final Champions League slot in the table.
Now they are three points behind Tottenham Hotspur with a game in hand on their capital counterparts.
Chelsea would drop from the Champions League places if they lost here, but Potter’s team has preserved a clean sheet in each of their previous five Premier League games, and they have only conceded two goals in all events since the 47-year-old took over.
Furthermore, the hosts have yet to lose at Stamford Bridge this season and have won their previous three Premier League games at their West London home, but under Ten Hag, Man United have shown a fondness for performances against Big Six sides.
Team news
Thiago Silva and Hakim Ziyech have been given the go-ahead to start for Chelsea against Brentford, but Wesley Fofana (knee), Reece James (knee), and N’Golo Kante (thigh) will all sit out again.
Armando Broja and Kai Havertz are likely to be replaced by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Raheem Sterling, while Ben Chilwell should return to the starting lineup after a midweek layoff.
For Manchester United, Axel Tuanzebe (unspecified), Brandon Williams (unspecified), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (muscle), Harry Maguire (hamstring), Donny van de Beek (muscle), and Anthony Martial (back), remain out.
Martial and Maguire are the most likely to return, and Ten Hag welcomed Christian Eriksen back from illness on Wednesday, but Fred put in an outstanding performance against the Spurs and will not be replaced without a fight.
Betting odds
The odds for a Chelsea win are at 1.15, while that for a draw are 2.6, and a Man United win stands at 2.4.
Graham Potter has done a wonderful job at Chelsea so far, and the results at Stamford bridge have been reflective of that.
As the odds suggests, Chelsea are the favourites to win this contest but a United win is not something that can be truly ruled out.
Apart from the exception of Man City at the Etihad, United under Ten Hag have generally done quite well against the top 6 sides.
A victory against leaders Arsenal, Liverpool and now Tottenham, this United side should not be underestimated on their Trip to Stamford bridge.
Chelsea are the favourites to win this one, yes. But it is not by a landslide.
As the market suggests, this game is going to a tight affair. So, keep your eyes peeled, on this one!
